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Seesmic has updated its popular Seesmic Desktop social-networking application to Seesmic Desktop 2, a client that brings additional functionality to an already solid program.

With Seesmic Desktop 2, users can do more than read Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn feeds; its reach has been expanded to include Foursquare, Google Buzz, Ping.fm, Bit.ly, TwitPic, and even non-social networking related content.

Before downloading and installing Seesmic Desktop 2, I had to first download and install Microsoft Silverlight. Fortunately, both Silverlight and Seesmic are quick installs. After launching Seesmic Desktop 2, I was prompted to select the accounts that I use on Facebook, Foursquare, Google Buzz, LinkedIn, Ping.fm, and Twitter. Adding an account is as simple as signing in with the username and password of the service that you'd like to use, clicking "Add Account," and then "Save" to lock it all in.

After declining an offer to follow Seesmic on Twitter, I was taken to Seesmic's dark interface, which consists of account-related links in the lone left-hand column, and a large, unpopulated main content area. Clicking Home, Private, Replies, Sent, or other selections fills the space with a new column. Home, for example, is the combined channel in which I read Facebook and Twitter updates. Clicking the individual accounts opened these feeds in their own columns, which let me read Facebook updates in one, and Twitter updates in another. This option is particularly handy when you wish to focus on one network and avoid overload or distraction. A rather cool and easily navigable directory aids in finding new Twitter accounts to follow.

Seesmic Desktop 2's social media scope isn't the only new feature. A plug-in marketplace (currently 40+ deep) lets users tap into other services. By clicking the options icon in the lower left corner of the interface, I was taken to an area where I could comb through the plug-in marketplaceGoogle Reader, MySpace, Salesforce, YouTube, and others are available. I selected the Zappos plug-in, as it stood out the most among the other social media and sharing plug-ins, which bounced me over to the Seesmic marketplace Web page. There I clicked install, but had to return to the Seesmic Desktop 2 application to accept the installation. After a required restart, a Zappos.com link appeared in the left column, which gave me the option to view one column dedicated to all instances of Zappos mentions on Twitter, and another that displayed purchased items, the items' prices, and locations.

Seesmic has done a stand-up job in transforming its product into a true information dashboard that goes beyond basic social media updates. As the plug-in marketplace expands, Seesmic Desktop 2 will continue to expand into an intriguing all-in-one information hub.

For more than a decade, Jeffrey L. Wilson has penned gadget- and video game-related nerd-copy for a variety of publications, including 1UP, 2D-X, The Cask, Laptop, LifeStyler, Parenting, Sync, Wise Bread, and WWE. He now brings his knowledge and skillset to PCMag as Senior Analyst.
When he isn't staring at a monitor (or two) and churning out Web hosting, music, utilities, and video game copy, Jeffrey mentors, practices Jeet Kune Do, blogs, podcasts, and speaks at the occasional con. He also collects vinyl and greatly enjoys...
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